ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.—St. Louis County Parks and Recreation is offering an opportunity for women to build outdoor skills in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Registration is now open for the third annual "Women in the Wild" series, running from February through June.

“There are women of different fitness levels, different backgrounds…and we’re all coming together and getting to play outside,” said MaryClare Coffey, St. Louis County park ranger. 

Led by female park rangers, participants will learn to hike, camp and canoe, alongside fellow beginners. The program, originally inspired by a St. Louis County employee who watched online creators conquer their fears through outdoor adventures, has grown steadily since its 2020 launch.

“She herself wanted to do that,” Coffey said. “And wanted to start a program where women, who might not have any experience at all, have a safe place to come and to learn and experience new things.”

This year, the series has expanded to include three new courses. The first session, focused on geocaching, is on Feb. 22 at Lone Elk Park. 

“I feel like this is the closest thing I’m going to get to adult summer camp,” one user commented on a St. Louis County social media post. “I’m in.”

Other sessions feature campfire cooking, day and night hiking, art in the park, intermediate hiking, water activities, a group campout and a float trip down the Meramec River. 

“By the end of the night, we're just eating s'mores and making each other laugh around the fire,” Coffey said. “That fellowship that you have after spending all day together, just enjoying each other's company, is really special.”

Ticket prices range from $8 to $50. Most sessions come without an age requirement, though most participants are 18 years old and up, Coffey said. 

“We have a lot of women who are in their 60s and 70s,” Coffey said. “They're really excited to start a new activity…They're looking for something to take up their time, and they're interested. So we really do see a wide variety of ages.”

For more information or to register online, visit the St. Louis County website.